The petition puts into jeopardy Missouri Republicans’ attempt to eliminate the Democratic-leaning Kansas City district currently held by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected 90,000 signatures for a referendum on the newly redrawn congressional map, because they were collected before Gov. Mike Kehoe had signed the map into law.

"Missouri's elections aren't decided in California," the Republican lawmaker wrote in the now-deleted post.

Candidates for city governments and boards of education in Missouri have until December 30 to file for municipal elections scheduled for April 7, 2026.

The Franklin County Clerk's Office reminds voters of the importance of election preparedness and informed decision-making.